What is Gluten Intolerance?

Not everybody can handle eating wheat or other grains that contain gluten. First of all, you may not know exactly what gluten is, so let that be clarified. Gluten is actually a protein found most commonly in wheat but also found in some other grains. Since it is in more than one food and very common to be found in processed foods of all sorts, it is almost impossible to avoid. If you are the type of person who has any bad physical reaction to wheat, you may not be able to eat gluten anymore.

If you cannot tolerate gluten, you may get cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, bad constipation, and heavy water retention from eating wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and any other foods which contain gluten. Processed foods mostly contain at least traces of gluten. The way your body becomes allergic to this protein is not so simply understood. It involves weak intestines with perforations and thus, blood comes into contact with the gluten, resulting in an immune response.

The end result is what is known as gluten intolerance. This condition affects millions of people across the entire world. It is said to be caused largely by the genetic engineering of wheat and other grains which normally contain a safer form of gluten. It is also caused by poor digestion and inflammation in the intestines.

In the distant past, you do ever hear about people having any problems with wheat gluten. This is partly because the disorder was not understood and otherwise because wheat was natural and not engineered at the time. When it is not altered, wheat may not cause such sensitivities, especially when combined with an otherwise healthy diet.

Intolerance to gluten is not necessarily the same as the condition known as celiac. Celiac is not just an intolerance. It is a full-blown disease in which the villi of the intestines have been totally flattened down and nutrient absorption is severely disrupted. This shows up as skin disorders, immune problems, severe digestive pains, and various other symptoms. The only cure for celiac disease is to stop all gluten-containing foods entirely and begin eating a gut-healthy diet.

Basic intolerance can lead to the more serious condition of celiac disease. If you display any symptoms related to problems with digesting and assimilating wheat or other grain gluten, then you will want to get yourself checked out by a doctor specializing in digestive and allergic disorders.